By Wendy Burton

Phoenix Staff Writer



Jack Bumgarner is feeling the outpouring of love and support from the Muskogee community — the same community that is joining together to raise funds for the family of Dakota Lane.

His grandson, 4-year-old Dakota, was stabbed to death Tuesday night at his home on North N Street.

“I’ve had people come up to me and hug me that I don’t even know, just giving me support,” Bumgarner said. “It’s been unreal, the outpouring of love and support.

“When your grandson is brutally murdered, and the people come to help you out, it really influences your thoughts of the community itself. I’m glad I live here.”

A bank account was opened for the family at First National Bank, and every branch in the area is accepting donations to the account.

BancFirst also is accepting donations to an account for the family — the Dakota Lane Benefit Account.

Three Rivers Surgical Center will hold a fundraiser for the family from 10:30 a.m. to 2 p.m. Nov. 19 in their parking lot at 3800 W. Okmulgee Ave.

They’ll have hot dogs, chips and drinks in exchange for donations to the First National Bank benefit account, said Stephanna Hays, spokeswoman for Three Rivers.

“I experienced the loss of a child, and I didn’t have the money to buy a gravesite, buy a headstone,” Hays said. “I didn’t even have a dress to wear to the funeral.”

The community she lived in, Wagoner, began to help Hays and her family.

“I’ve never forgotten the outpouring of support, not just financially, but there were other things they did for us,” Hays said. “As a mother I don’t think I could face going back to that house; they may need to move. I want to help them do what they need to.”

Bumgarner said he believes the Lane family is going to find a new home.

“That’s going to be their call,” Bumgarner said. “But I’m pretty certain my daughter does not want to go back. Wherever they go, it will have a security system, I guarantee you.”

However, Bumgarner said there is one thing the family needs above all.

“Prayers are the main thing we need,” Bumgarner said. “Though fundraising is really going to help them out, I’m sure.”

You can help



WHAT: Hot dogs, chips and drinks will be available for donations to help the family of Dakota Lane with funeral expenses, moving expenses, loss of income and more.

WHEN: 10:30 a.m. to 2 p.m. Nov. 19 at Three Rivers Surgical Center parking lot, 3800 W. Okmulgee Ave.

COST: Donations will be deposited in the First National Bank benefit account.

ETC.: Donate to either Dakota Lane Benefit Account anytime at both First National Bank branches in Muskogee, and branches in Roland, Sallisaw and Tulsa or at BancFirst’s Muskogee locations.

Sadler Elementary and the Rougher Alternative Academy also are collecting funds for the family. Check with your child’s school to see if they are accepting donations as well.



Services set

Funeral services for Dakota Joe Lane will be 2 p.m. Tuesday at Life Point Church, 2200 S. 32nd St., under the direction of Cornerstone Funeral Home and Crematory.

Reach Wendy Burton at 684-2926 or wburton@muskogeephoenix.com.